Van Life: Three challenges / difficulties nobody tells you about (and how to deal with them)
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- Опубликовано: 3 апр 2018
- Van Life, or full-time touring, isn't an endless image of Instagram Perfection. Sometimes it can be hard. In this video I go through the three main challenges and difficulties, and then three strategies to use in order to help combat them. Would I live any other way? Absolutely not!
![Beginner's guide to taking your caravan abroad [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vumy0Z4OylQ/mqdefault.jpg)
What challenges and difficulties have van life or full time touring presented you? And what strategies have you come up with to overcome them? Let us know!
Challenges and difficulties, hmmmm, well, of course everyone that visits is an expert and tells you how to do something, or they don;t have the slightest clue what your life entails and give you all sorts of pointers, gifts or come out with comments that are downright rude or insulting, most of the time without their realising. How do I deal with it? Either make sure that I am 'out' or busy if I know they are coming (a safe backup is I tether 'little'un' one of my goats, just out of view and I know that if she hears me she will start screaming, so I can always say 'bye, got an emergency to deal with'
This winter was the weather challenge, with temperatures dropping nearly into the -30 centigrade, it got pretty cold. Draughtproofing and firewood were the main order of the day, the borehole pump freezing meant buying in water, which generally froze solid overnight, so it would be harvesting snow for drinking water, the main thing was that not living the 'normal' lifestyle with all its rules and constraints I simply split my day into six with short naps between each, that kept the stove going so we didn't freeze to death and, having layers of blankets and duvets and two large dogs on the bed as well, that made things a little more cozy.
As far as finding a spot to stay. It's been more a case of politely declining unsuitable spots, everyone want you to stay, but they don't understand that 'just 5km' off the main road, is a big detour for horse and caravan, I tend to suggest that maybe they come find me and stop by for the evening, then I get insight into where else may be a good place to stay.
And, finally, I splashed out on a small GPS tracker that gives your co-ordinates on google maps in a text message and my local police inspector has the number for it, (you simply call it, it rejects the call then sends a text) and, he checks up on me pretty much daily, and if i have a problem i can call him and he can find me instantly.
Oh we never see you you must come to camp quirky, LOL. no seriously its pricey but its all about the people for me anyway, just a chance to hang out for a weekend together.
You always have such great stories and insights to share. Thank you, I really hope our paths cross one day!
I am disappointed that I can not park my 21' trailer. I want to learn and I am pretty sure I could do it, but to strike off on my own scares me. I tell you pulling into gas stations with a trailer on terrifies me. I know I should just learn and do it but there is a part of me that does not want to be foolish. Oh well, there is my rant, I would prefer now a motor home that I can drive and all is behind me convenient.
Hi Andrew, you've just described my years living as a long distance lorry driver fairly accurately. I had almost exactly the same issues. Don't forget that you could take try taking refuge in a lorry park overnight if it all went pear shaped. They won't have anywhere to plug in to, but they do often have security, as well as canteens and hot showers. I enjoy your work, and thank you for making the extra effort in ensuring that your videos are always so informative.
I think commercial drivers have it much worse because they also have the legal breaks to consider too. When I am towing my Airstream I prefer to use lorry parks as I find commercial drivers more respectful of my privacy than if I went into the caravan parking area, but only if there is plenty of room. I am painfully aware of the lack of decent lorry parking facilities in the UK. Thanks for your support, and keep on truckin'! :@)
I would urge anyone thinking of living the van life, to watch this video several times over. Seriously.... this video addresses the biggest issues with van life.
Speaking from experience, 2 years in a motorhome, what Andrew discusses here is pivotal to the whole concept of van/caravan/motorhome/nomadic living.
Click refresh, and watch this video again.... Best wishes to you Andrew......J
I can seek no further validation of this video than these words from a man who knows exactly what it is like. All the best mate, cheers!
Very good words sir. 🙏😊
18 years plus years
van life for me now........
And still have the lonely thoughts
each day ...
And even More so
as I getting older each year.
Best wishes to you and beautiful doogle. 🐕😊👍🙏
Well, if there is one thing you can take away from this Darren... and that is that you are NOT alone!
Really appreciate the honesty. This is so helpful to hear.
How refreshing to have someone speak on this subject who is intelligent and articulate. Your video made good sense and covered important points to consider. Thank you
Thank you Kathryn!
Kathryn, well said.
Wow. What an insightful dialogue into human behavior whether traveling or not. You have a talent for communicating feelings in a descriptive logical way. I really like it when you discuss living. Helps me more than you might think. You have empowered yourself to be you and not follow cultural norms. You are a role model. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you.
Wildflower wind I couldn’t have said it better and I totally agree
Its odd that i find your videos is very relaxing and dougal is so peaceful.. So calming..
Not odd at all Michael... we don't DO stress! ;@)
Thanks Andrew, for a balanced view, from someone who is weighing up my options. Good luck in all that you do and please keep the videos coming.
Cheers Simon! Good luck in your plan. But yes, it’s obviously not all Instagram Perfection.
Thanks for your philosophy. "Invest time in people who feed your soul." Brilliant!
Another *GREAT VIDEO* Andrew. The issues, examples, and solutions you cited are well structured in explaining three real-world downsides to van life. You noted some great tips for life in general: 'Focus on people who nourish you' -and- 'Be kind to yourself'.
Excellent video Andrew. Thanks for your honesty and tips.
Thanks Stephen!
Loved the opener about the trousers and the rest of the content. Thanks for the great video :)
Dude, you are an international treasure of logic and wisdom.
Having a dog really is good for your general health. A friend who will never disappoint.
Absolutely!
Dogs - mental health
Thanks for sharing these challenges in a honest and empowering way. None of us are guaranteed a life free of difficulties but it is said one becomes stronger and enlightened by finding constructive ways to manage through the rough patches.
Thanks for sharing this important message...
Cheers Anthony!
Really good advice, thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Greetings from Macclesfield Andrew,I have to say,I found your video frank and honest and yet positive,I think with the passing years a lot of your solutions start to make a lot more sense,I know for myself turning 50 was a something of a pivotal time in my life as to how a wanted my life to go.
Thankyou again.
Tony
Cheers Tony, good luck in all you do.
I am glad to see a new update to this series Andrew. Keep it up. Quite informative and what I love about this, it is very realistic. Some full-time channels make it appear like there are no problems with nomadic living.
Thank you. Yes, I wanted to air a few realities.
Another great video Andrew very thoughtful and helpful not only for van life but for the soul of being human and all that embraces and your relationship with dougal makes me smile even when I’m having a cloudy day long may you enjoy your adventures and dreams 😎
Andrew! So love your candidness and your channel. You have really nailed the issues so clearly and honestly. Appreciate this video so much.
Thanks Rudi!
Thank you Andrew for making this video, this honesty and integrity is one of the reasons I have watched you’re channel for so long, best wishes always, Dean
Cheers Dean, and thanks for your support!
Woww, im only 7 minutes in and you are so full of wisdom! I've never really looked at this side of things, never have I heard anyone talk about them with this level of detail and authenticity.
A really great topic Andrew, very well thought out , explained and discussed. One of the best van life videos I have seen. Spot on, well done.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent. Well done for taking the time to do this. Thanks...
Fabulous vid Andrew. I can only echo others’ comments - your honesty, thoughtfulness and genuine advice really shines through. Raising people’s awareness of mental health challenges and strategies to deal with them in your lifestyle choices is really valuable. It’s tempting to look at things through rose tinted spectacles and I’m sure you help people to see things more objectively. Great vlog!
The coffee sip reaction is The Best! 'Ah!' Love it! ☕
Great video and is bang on the problems that can be encounted. In many ways this life was much easier in the 70s and 80's. Less people out there doing this life, less traffic etc. I think that RUclips has in some ways had an impact as it is now so much easier to access information, how too etc. But it has also led to many more people living the life and by natural progression leads to much more impact on infrastructure. Tried most things over the years from full time wild camping to seasonal pitches. Have now found a balance whereby we work as wardens in the summer and find a nice winter pitch from which to explore and really get to know an area. The mental fatigue is one thing that really surprised us and had a great bearing upon the enjoyment, I aslo think this can be age related as the older we get the more security we seem to require. One thing that I think the newer generations are missing is the need to consider the get out options and the need to address pensions even at an early stage. Time flies and the years pass very quickly with this wonderful lifestyle.
Cheers! Yes, I was going to address this to the... more mature.... full-timer but decided not to, although as you say, the need for security (and fear of illness) does increase as you get older. Sounds like you have a cool plan though!
Love the honesty, love the "solutions" offered, love the dog, unfazed by the trews! ;) On the brink of living on the cut / narrowboat, so this is super-well-timed. Thanks! X
Brilliantly informative and thought provoking, thank you Andrew.
Thank you Andrew for this honest and very beneficial wisdom.... A really valid and not often discussed conversation. I was so pleased to see a vid from you in my subs this morning and sat with coffee to listen. I was so taken by the sincere and kind words that the coffee went cold, so off to the microwave I shuffled, pondering the issues. A rare but oh so valid pause for thought.... the other side of van life...Thank you again,
This is a wonderful video Andrew. Thank you so much for sharing your hard earned wisdom.
There is a great cartoonist called Emma who talks about ‘emotional labour’, the thinking, worrying, planning work that has often been placed on women and is largely overlooked by their often male partners. When you are on your own you carry two types of responsibilities, the physical and the emotional, alone. Anyone with even a modicum of emotional intelligence is going to find that hard sometimes. As much as we love our independent lives it is not a carefree utopia. Generally I think it is a good thing to have to think more about ‘how do I keep myself well’, and it’s something that our culture dissuades us from doing lest we replace consuming with valuing.
Wonderful insight, thank you.
Women ARE emotional labor MGTOW
“...lest we replace consuming with valuing,” seems like that is the challenge with affluent modern society dwellers. Very difficult indeed to break away from a shallow lifestyle and dig into what matters. Guess that’s why we value The Buddah so much. Be well! 😊💗🌺💗
SuperPurpleBoots beautiful insight and food for thought
@@davidrandall4446 FO
Andrew,just found your channel fantastic.
Very inspiring ,direct and sound advice .
Look forward to catching up with all your previous blogs cheers DT
Thank you, and welcome aboard!
A very thought provoking film Andrew. We feel this should help anyone considering Van Life or help those starting out. J&P
Thanks J&P!
Thank you Andrew for your realistic observations and advice . I like your style
All very good points to consider. Thanks for sharing your insights and hard earned bits of wisdom Andrew. Daily walking is excellent exercise , takes no special equipment or skill set and can be done anywhere and by anyone bar physical infirmities of course. And for those of us that have beat the hell out of our bodies being way to athletic up to this point. Ahem. Bike riding is the option I've adopted. Amazing what less meat and rare alcohol can do for a body too. Always try to be good and kind oneself and recharge however you need to remain well physically, mentally and spiritually. Not always an easy task. Great info yet again Andrew. Happy Trails.
Thank you Annette :)
Take that Instagram! Well done Andrew, and by the way, “discombobulated” would make an excellent caravan name.
:)
Thanks so much, Andrew! I'm contemplating the van life, doing a lot of research. Yours is the first video I've seen that addressed these issues and certainly gave me something to think about. Great info. I'm a new subscriber now!
Welcome aboard Deb! Good luck in your mission :)
What a fantastic video, thank you some real food for thought there. Also must add loved the ‘B’ roll, the little touches that take a lot of time and effort but only last a few seconds on the screen. Superb. 👌👍
Awww, thank you! Nice to know it's noticed. As you know, it can take ages to source and edit :)
Very interesting and informative to us as we are considering a life on the road but keeping somewhere (downsizing) to come back too when needs must. Thank you .😊
Thank you Andrew, a very practical and useful video. One I’m sure I’ll return to again and again.
Thanks very much Andrew... keep the energy coming... Bless you friend. You're a great guy...so many people get lost in the me me me world..
Really appreciate your thoughtfulness for the real people... thanks so much
Thanks Wayne! As you know, I like to keep it real for us everyday normal people. All the best my friend.
I'm so impressed with the content of this video. I have often thought about the worries and challenges that you have mentioned. Personally I think they would be to much for me and this is one reason why I haven't taken the leap into this lifestyle. I did wonder if it bothered others as it is never really mention ( I am a thinker and do get anxious). It's nice to see someone actually doing it but with the same worries and challenges. Well done and thank you. 👍👍😀
Thanks Jenn. As I mentioned, I wouldn't let it stop me, it just makes me more mindful to set up those strategies.
We are very adaptable as well and all them worries can become the norm as well,I speak from experience
Thank you Andrew. I so appreciate this talk...be well and travel safe.
Andrew really enjoyed your honest insights on van life. I am going to retire next year planning on the van life. You have given food for thought regarding the truth of what can be. It is funny, I have been so excited about retiring, now that it is a closer reality, van life is becoming scarier to me. The three topics you discuss here are spot on, and exactly the things I think about. Thank you for also including the solutions to your challenges. You have confirmed my belief of what I'm getting in to, but you have also inspired me to carry on with my dreams of living free to travel and enjoy life. Excellent video! Thank you for sharing!
It sounds like my job here has been successful then Jody - to encourage people, but keeping their eyes wide open to both the ups and the downs. Good luck with your plans, and see you on the road :)
Very well thought out and meaningful. Thanks.
Very refreshing honesty, and I love the reinforcement about the many ‘false positivity’ videos out there. Keep up the good work. Integrity and honesty go a long way.
Thank you!
Hi Andrew , some great advice there, we very often see the good points in vlogs but rarely think about the possible negative sides.
A really well put together view of van life .Thanks for sharing , Safe travels.
Bravo Andrew 👏👏👏 encore une excellente video , merci merci . Authentique, vraie , pleine de bons conseils , un vrai plaisir de t’ecouter. I love your videos ,I can’t wait for the next one .... all the best , happiness, good health and freedom to you Andrew , God bless you ...
Philippe from France
Merci bien mon ami...
Awesome channel that I’ve just found here, after a good while watching the vanlife stuff on RUclips. I sense that this will one of the most sensible and useful to follow on the matter. So glad 👍
Thanks Carlos, just trying to keep it real!
Another fantastic video Andrew, we appreciate the honesty and wisdom that you share. Definitely things to consider before we leave bricks and mortar.
Thank you for your powerful and precious truthtelling!
Great video Andrew. It's very refreshing to listen to your open and very honest views on van life and to hear about the minor negatives that you encounter. It's made me think a little more about what I want in life. Not sure if I could give up meat, fish and the odd beer or glass of wine though!!!! Keep up your great work, love following you and Dougle, especially when you take yourselves off for a good ride on that lovely Triumph!!!
It's whatever works for you, Rob! Hoping to get more motorcycle camping in this year :)
Thanks for the good advice! it’s good to know the down side as well as the up side it’s just another way of telling you to expect some challenging times in van life from time to time thank you Andrew🤔
Thank you for being so honest Andrew
Just to say yet another informative and well constructed video. Made me open my eyes and be realistic about 'life on the open road' being all whistles and bells. It's just not as easy as I first persevered, so it will now remain on the back burners as a one day, dream.
I will keep following you on RUclips with enthusiasm, interest and wishing all the luck and best wishes for your future adventures, Thank you.
Cheers Gary!
I have often thought that the points you make would be real downers for me and thanks for being so honest about them. Must admit, when it was so cold and you were having problems with the van, I thought if that was me, I would have a "hotel fund" to rescue me during occasions like these! But at its best, a lovely way of life and you obviously enjoy it. Thanks for a fascinating video.
Thanks Susan. I was all set to go to a hotel that night, and I think if I'd not been able to leave that next day I would have checked in!
Having spent a large part of my working life traveling the points about loneliness and the quality of friends are spot on. Great vid Mr D.
Andrew....I find you voice so soothing. Thanks for your honesty and for sharing your thoughts and feeling so eloquently. Wishing you good weather and lots of wonderful adventures...from a new fan in Canada.
Aww, thanks Christina! :)
Excellent video Andrew. Thank you :-) You are indeed right; seeing the life through the 'Instagram lens' is one thing, the realities of course are always far more complex. It's great that you publish these really insightful videos so that all interested in the life (full-time or part-time) see the effort and thought that goes into it. It's wonderful to see and understand how you push through all of the challenges to live life on your own terms, following your dream way of living.
Because I still work I can't quite go full-time myself just yet but I do at least get to go to my seasonal spot at Camping In The Forest, Loch Lomond every other weekend between March & October. I love that place!
So, carry on being kind too yourself, knowing that we in your (online) community are truly valuing what you bring to us via your videos and blog. (And there's always a safe place for you here in Edinburgh if ever you get stuck! Do come and visit at Loch Lomond sometime if you've never been. I'll take you and Dougal canoeing around the islands, you'll love it! G)
Thank you Gerry!
Your insight on passive-aggressive responses was very good! You have inspired me to reevaluate how I reply to my friends, I have said some of those very things, not realizing that I was shifting the responsibility of friendship-cultivation from myself and onto others. Thank you for changing my perspective.--Sean
No worries Sean. Folks don't mean to be unkind when they say such things, but a lot of the time it is just gloss with no substance underneath (just wanting to be SEEN to care without any effort). 'We'd love you to come over for dinner one evening, so what night would suit you best?' is a very different invitation to 'you must come around some time!'
Thank you so much...seen your posts several times and always been very educational.. however, I have just seen this one tonight regarding mental health & well-being and it has really moved me..
The loneliness of motorhome life can be really awful.. almost a contradiction of the freedom owned .
Following this video I have promised myself to stay in touch with my old friends more...
And embrace the people around me.. thanks so much...
As I say I have watched many of your videos..
If you don't mind me saying.. you're a good Man.. kind & thoughtful to others.. thanks very much
Wayne
Aww thanks Wayne, that is really kind of you to say. I do indeed have a burning desire to 'tell it like it is' to the everyday folk (like me!) who feel somewhat left behind by the 'happy jumpy skippy' brigade who are only showing what they think will earn views and revenue. All the best to you mate.
Andrew, this really helped me. I have been living in my van for 6 months and travelling Europe for 3. For the past 2 weeks I have felt stressed and anxious with spots of feeling homesick. Everything you said really hit home and highlights to me that I am not the only one. Cheers dude, I just subscribed :)
Thanks Andrew, and welcome aboard!
I'll agree about routine requiring less energy. A few times I've ended up having some funny meals when it turns out there is only a tiny corner store in the area. And I'm finally learning to travel slowly and have recharge time.
Yep! Moving on is tiring, and we quickly realise we need to slow down!
Brilliantly informative. Thank you
Wow, such a great video, I'm so glad I found this one. You talk so much sense Andrew, a BIG thank you for this one,,,,
You're very welcome Roland, thanks for watching!
Hi Andrew, terrific video. Inspirational advice for living on the road or in a property.
Andrew,
I thank you for putting out such a great Vid, you are the top when it comes to all my YT subscriptions. I am a regular family tourer but as a “sensitive thinker” always wondered what this “van life” would be like and whilst it is likely I will always be a “family tourer” it is enlightening to get such a balanced view of this life.
After watching your sun life vids we are now planning to change from a tourer to Motorcaravan in the not so distant future.
Please keep the content coming, love every aspect of your lifestyle and I admire the way you go about it.
John.
Cheers John! Thank you very much.
I completely agree Andrew and I'm so pleased you've highlighted these issues. I think it's harder as a solo caravanner and even when I'm on holiday in my van I sometimes feel lonely, particularly when things go wrong and there's nobody to help me. Without social media and the internet I probably wouldn't have stuck with it but knowing there's always a friend at the end of the 'line' gets me though the tricky times. Plus a walk with my lovely dog in our beautiful diverse countryside and possibly a glass or two at the end of it helps too! You're spot on about the routine too as much as my 9-5 can be tiring and time-consuming, it keeps me on track and gives me a focus, which must be very hard to do in your situation.
Another excellent and astute video - thanks Andrew.
Thanks Catherine, I thought you'd be one of those for whom this would resonate. :)
Great piece, my wife and I's main issue was mail, having to get a P O box, taxing and insuring the vehicle, but loved it
Thank you Andrew for all of your videos I've seen, and particularly your candour in them.
I don't yet own a campervan or motorhome, but have wanted one for a long time. As part of my research into owning one, I came across your channel and can't thank you enough for it's content. Unlike yourself, I don't expect to live in my van, so shouldn't face the challenges you detail in this video, though do understand what you talk of.
You're clearly an intelligent and honest person. I like that. Should you ever find yourself scuppered for whatever reason in South East Northumberland, I'd happily offer you and Dougal a place to stay. So long as Dougal doesn't terrorise my own wee dog. Keep up the good work, as I'm finding your videos very informative.👍
That's so kind, thank you Stu! Hope your search for a van bears fruit soon. Prices are expected to level out next year, so there is no huge rush on that front. But one thing the past 18 months has taught us is that we really do not know what is around the corner! All the best.
Enjoyed this Andrew. I took early retirement from my public corporation job several years ago & 3 years ago retired to France that is compliquée. So important to have dreams & honour them.
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this. I fell in love with the freedom but never thought of its consequences. I personally love to be alone and find a great friend in me but when you talked about fear and insecurity you got me. I didn’t realize what routine does and I particularly hate it. I’m the end it relaxes you and gives you security, tranquility. Your food looks great always and I enjoy your videos to the fullest. Thanks a million for being you 😊
Aww thank you! And yes, for all its drudgery, there *is* an element of comfort to a routine.
@@@Almouna Saddiyeh I agree.
This is some of the best advice i have heard in many years. I see a lot of people extolling the virtues of camping out, surviving alone with a myriad of knives and fire lighting tools and shelters etc etc. thinking food and a good fire is all you need. Mental discipline and being able to deal with loneliness and isolation are two subjects that are the most likely cause for failure...or death in a survival scenario. This subject is the most valuable 'tool' for anyone these days. I remember once alone for weeks in Finland photographing the Stars and Planets through a very powerful telescope...and suddenly for no reason I felt so very very alone and almost hopeless....for no apparent reason. It brought home the reality that actually I was on an adventure and was actually letting go my 'hopelessness' and isolation and finally realised that we may surround ourselves with others but individually we all must also conquer our fears on our own terms, for failure to do so simply leads to a never ending cycle of self doubt and fear driven by the things we fail to see has been forced upon us through constant programming via the media and those around us who transmit their insecurities onto us. Well presented video Andrew good luck out there...and just do it !!
That's an amazing story, cheers! I know that there *are* people out there saying 'oh just grow a pair' but this is for the 90% of folk for whom these factors can be an issue. And like you, far from discouraging people, I want people to be aware of these issues before they leap off and just do it! All the best.
OMG Andrew that was really really deep and thought provoking and very informative,not helped by the fact I nearly choked on my lunch today and nobody here to give me a slap on my back, I think it's gin and tonic time after that vlog, well done you, happy travels, luv those LPs!! Give Dougal a big smackaroo from me !! Greetings from a soggy,wet, cold Belfast,where's Spring ??
When you find Spring, send some my way! Thanks Linda
your vlog has (again) really struck a chord with me. good man-good content. its that simple.
Thank you for sharing this! Your experience in very valuable and I can hear that you are wise indeed!
Glad it was helpful!
You're great! Thank you so much for sharing all of this info! You're doggo is super cute! :DD
Awesome video Andrew. I am currently converting a minibus into a camper van, with a view to going full time with my girlfriend next year. It’s so good to hear the reality of full timing, good and bad, so that I can prepare properly for my new life and put in place support networks/solutions to tackle the challenges. Thank you so much!!!
Cheers Sheldon, and good luck with your project!
This video popped up to view after watching your most recent one from Birmingham caravan n campervan show. I understand u and what u say makes total sense. Just love watching n listening to your videos. Your honesty n humour is just brilliant. U should do podcasts Andrew as your voice is soothing too. Tnks for sharing. Keep well.
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks Andrew, we found this really interesting, you put a lot of yourself into this post.
Ruth
Great video on a topic I've never seen discussed before in relation to van life.
Thank you for your video and sharing your knowledge so honestly. I will see what other videos you may have done. Kind Regards.
Excellent video and lots of food for thought.
Hello,
I just need to say that your advice was incredibly important for me. I discovered vanlife very recently and I´m still watching videos on youtube trying to find out the PROS and CONS, and it´s so hard to find someone who speaks about the bad situations so properly.
Thank you so much,you did help a lot.
Thank you for your message. It's mainly about giving the WHOLE story, not just one side!
Very thought provoking Andrew, thank you
What a fabulous video!!!! So much to consider ....
Safe travels and cheers to Dougal :-))), and to you , of course :-)))
Thank you!
Very, very interesting video, Andrew! Thank you very much! Interesting thoughts..
Thank you sir for making this video. You are a lifesaver.
Thanks for your honesty & integrity.
You have done it again, produced an excellent and thought provoking vlog.
Cheers Mark!
Hi Andrew, I really like what your doing and saying, appreciate your frankness which I am missing in most of the "blinky" blocks, are just not really honest,
Watching your last trip in the snow and trouble with the van I really admired you how brave you were, not many would be and on top being honest about it!
Thank you for being who you are, haven't missed one video and will continue not to,
cheers and warmest regards
Thomas
Thank you Thomas!
Thought provoking and wonderful.
Cheers Simon!
Awesome practical advise. Thank you so much for your videos ☺
Thank YOU for the kind comment :)
Thanks Andrew. Social media in general seems to have made many of us view life unrealistically. So it is great to hear you give the pros and cons of van life as well as some practical and sensitive solutions to the challenges. Greetings from California
Thank you Nancy. I am now examining the role that Social Media plays in my life... that one is still processing but my dear friend Shanna in San Diego has just ditched it. That sounds so liberating...
Thanks for you advices. Some times my wife and I have thinked about living a life like you describe, (when we are retired), and I've thinked on those challenges you describe. Anyway it is our dream. I only wish to have enough health to reach it. Very good video in which you talk about things nobody knows or think about.
This is all so true. I specially related to the part where you said people want to know how they can have what they see you have, but without putting in all the effort and personal cost that you went through. I lived in Mexico for several years and I soon learned not to tell holidaying Brits that I lived there. The questions were endless - and predictable. Ultimately, if you want to do it, you have to pay the cost.
Andrew - van life or no van life - your advice about making time to focus on the people who nourish support and who are fully behind you. The people who make the effort for you, who come to visit YOU. This is the gem that would save so many of us from mental health breakdowns. Those of us who care. Those of us who naively believe other people care. These good people are the few and not the many. And it is only when you ask yourself - what is he or she bringing to MY life? that you can make that distinction. You are truly a good and caring and wise man. My hat is off to you. Thank you for opening up and sharing. Anne, from Ireland kiss kiss
Thanks Anne. Funnily enough I have just given up on someone who could not commit to a coffee this weekend... always in fear that he might lose out on a better offer if he actually said yes and not 'maybe'. UGH! All the best.
Thanks for a very inspiring video! I have also felt the things you are talking about. Especially the safety part. I am always on alert when I have parked on a spot that feels a bit risky, and when I hear cars/people arrive I hope that it's nothing more than bypassers. So far everything has worked out ok. I usually always park in the woods or in another traffic free place, not so much on campsites. Don't exactly know the rules where you live, but in Sweden we have "right of public access" and can therefore park and stay over night basically where you want if it does not interfere being to close to anyones house or if a sign or rule in that specific area tells so.
My thoughts about getting out more. Have you tried Geocaching? As you travel around alot and want places to stop at and move around a bit, this is a perfect solution because you always have a goal to get to and it makes it so much easier. It can be alot of fun also because you never now what you will find on that particular spot.
Interesting you have the same feelings too Daniel. I would love to visit Sweden some day. I love the idea about Geocaching. I used to follow a friend in the UK who visited 'trig points' that are used for the mapping system... I'll look into it, thank you!